India Faces a Challenge of Chronic Diseases

India faces a challenge of chronic diseases resulting from cardiovascular disorders, metabolic disorders, respiratory conditions, mental illness and cancer. Over the next two decades those over 45 years are most likely to suffer from chronic diseases.

Due to better standards of living the threat of infectious and parasitic diseases will reduce but the threat of chronic diseases will increase. Incidence of hypertension, poor blood glucose control, indiscriminate use of alcohol and tobacco are responsible for this increased threat.

As part of the Integrated National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Cardiovascular diseases and Diabetes the Central Government has approved testing of adults for chronic diseases and awareness campaign on healthy behavior. A lot more has to be done in this sector. Regulating the intake of unhealthy foods, reduction in the use of tobacco and lifestyle modification can stop the progression of these diseases.

Source: Medindia